Somerville, IN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Somerville ranks below average for tap water safety in IN — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Somerville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Somerville Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.59 — above typical levels.
Somerville's Water Providers
Because residential water in Somerville, IN flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Somerville, Indiana (population ~49), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 10,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Somerville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Somerville: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Somerville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Somerville
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47683 | D | PIKE-GIBSON WATER, INC. | 10,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Somerville
- 47683 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Somerville Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Somerville Infrastructure Age
With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Plumbing risk in residential housing tracks directly to construction era: pre-1986 homes may have lead-soldered copper joints; pre-1970 homes may have lead pipes outright. Somerville's median build year of 2007 places the city in a moderate risk zone where neither era dominates the housing inventory. Understanding which side of the 1986 threshold a specific property falls on — and whether it predates 1970 — is the most actionable starting point for a homeowner trying to assess their own tap water exposure.
Most homes in Somerville were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Somerville
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Somerville is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Somerville are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% below the Indiana average.
Somerville: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
When older housing represents 41% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Somerville address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Somerville
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Somerville, IN